Film Series: Morir De Pie

In recognition of Hispanic Cultural Awareness Month

Morir de Pie is the inspiring story of Irina Layewska, a tireless fighter in the war for personal freedoms, who continues to work for progressive causes from her wheelchair despite a severe disability. But it’s also the love story of Irina and her partner Nelida, whom she married as a man. Irina was born into a male body; she grew up idolizing Che Guevara and spent much of her young life fighting in the Cuban solidarity movement. When her condition suddenly threatened her eyesight she became aware of an internal, emotional imbalance, and a need to explore her feminine side and identify as a woman. Jacaranda Correa, the renowned Mexican journalist and anchorwoman, skillfully intercuts home movies and archival material with sensitive, intimate footage of Irina and Nelida’s present-day lives. They bravely open a window on their most personal moments, as they live to the fullest a life that neither of them could have ever imagined.

Winner: Best Mexican Documentary, Guadalajara Film Festival.

Discussion with Dr. Poggio on 9/25 starting after the conclusion of the 3:30 showing (sometime around 5pm).

Other showtimes: 9/24 at 10:00AM and 9/25 at 3:30pm. All viewings and discussions will be located in the Women's Center lounge.

Much thanks to our co-sponsors for helping make this series possible: MLLI, Latino/Hispanic Faculty Assoc. and The Mosaic Center.